Motorized Layout Pointer With Distance Sensing for Wall and Ceiling Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized layout pointers are limited to indicating layout points on a jobsite surface that is a floor and require placement near the layout point, unable to accurately indicate points on walls or ceilings.

Innovation Solution

A motorized layout pointer equipped with a distance measuring unit and rotatable layout beam, capable of measuring distance and rotating about two axes to indicate points on any jobsite surface, including floors, walls, and ceilings, using a motorized layout pointer that can measure distance and rotate about two axes to accurately indicate layout points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the motorized layout pointer is placed near the layout point on the floor, then the layout point can be indicated accurately on the floor, but it cannot indicate layout points on walls or ceilings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface indication capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The layout pointer is made rotatable about two perpendicular axes (first and second axes of rotation), enabling it to change its spatial orientation from floor-only indication to multi-surface indication including walls and ceilings. This dimensional freedom allows the single device to adapt to various surface orientations without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized layout pointer is designed with dual rotational capability to perform multiple functions: indicating layout points on floors, walls, and ceilings using the same device. The layout pointer can be oriented in different directions and angles to accommodate various surface types, making it a universal indication tool for all jobsite surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the layout pointer is fixed in position near the layout point, then the indication is accurate for that specific point, but the operator effort and time to reposition for different points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout indication efficiencyVSAvoidoperator effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical repositioning of the layout pointer is replaced with motorized rotation about two axes, controlled automatically or semi-automatically to orient the layouting beam toward different layout points. This substitution reduces operator physical effort while maintaining or improving indication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the distance measuring unit measures distance to verify layout accuracy, then the layout precision is improved, but the device complexity and measurement time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The distance measuring function is integrated into the motorized layout pointer device itself, combining layout indication and distance verification in a single instrument. This merging eliminates the need for separate measurement tools and procedures, reducing overall measurement time while maintaining high layout accuracy through immediate distance verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and accurate indication of layout points on various surfaces by reducing operator effort and improving accuracy through distance measurement and rotational adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

a distance measuring unit configured to measure a distance between a reference point of the distance measuring unit and a surface of the jobsite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

a layout pointer configured to emit a visible layouting beam in a layouting direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4696981A1Motorized layout pointer including a distance measuring unit and method for indicating a layout point at a jobsite

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 HILTI AG

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AI summary

Motorized layout pointer (14) for indicating a layout point (LP) at a jobsite, including a support frame (111), a layout pointer (112) configured to emit a layouting beam (LB) that is visible, a motor device (115, 117, 119) configured to perform a movement of the layout pointer (112), and a control unit (114) configured to control at least the layout pointer (112), wherein the motorized layout pointer (14) further includes a distance measuring unit (DMU) configured to measure a distance between a reference point of the distance measuring unit (DMU) and a surface of the jobsite.